Waste is bound to occur with any brand, whether it's scraps from sewing that are too small to be used or marketing materials that were printed with incorrect information. While we can't save everything, we do our absolute best to minimize waste by printing in small batches, utilizing deadstock, and transforming low-sellers into something our customers will love.

Why We Small-Batch Print

What originally started as a necessity—we couldn't afford high minimum order quantities—has become a brand pillar. We print in small batches for three reasons:

1. We want each print and each piece to feel one of a kind, as if what you purchase is one of 20 in the entire world. Because our pieces are hand block printed and no two are ever exactly alike, the piece you own is that much more unique.
2. If a print isn't a success, we don't want overstock. While we're optimistic and hopeful for growth, we prioritize being conservative to avoid wasting materials.
3. It's natural: larger orders often lead to rushed production, which compromises quality, and we never want to sacrifice quality for quantity.

Printing in small batches isn't always the most efficient from a per-unit cost perspective, but we believe the environmental payoff is worth it.

From Deadstock to Delight

Deadstock—fabric, materials, or finished bandanas that couldn't be sold because of defects—is an inevitable part of fashion design and block printing. Rather than discard it, we've found second lives for these pieces. For example, excess fabric sitting in our workshop became beautiful journals instead of being tossed out.

Transforming What Doesn't Work Into What Does

Not every design resonates with customers. Take our georgette scarves: we loved them and thought our customers would too. We imagined they'd appreciate a longer scarf in a light, chiffon-like fabric. It turns out they didn't. Rather than let this product sit for years, we cut and sewed it into reusable shopping bags. By thinking beyond the original intent, we've extended the life of this beautiful printed fabric and created something new for our customers to love.

Some of the reusable shopping bags we've been able to create in the past from fabric scraps:

We're Not Perfect, But We're Committed

Every purchase from From, Mila supports a business committed to preventing waste. We'll never be perfect, and some waste will always happen. But we're dedicated to doing better, questioning our processes, and finding creative solutions to the waste challenges we face.